The start of a new year can feel exciting—a clean slate and a chance to think about everything we hope to accomplish in the months ahead.
And then life happens.
The next thing you know, you come up for air… and somehow, it’s already March.
Life has a way of shifting our best-laid plans—including my plan to get this calendar out. But even though it’s already March, many of our clients continue to ask for it. So, ask and you shall receive (just a bit later than intended). The good news is there are still plenty of meaningful moments ahead in 2026 to celebrate your donors, spark conversations and strengthen relationships.
Donor Engagement Doesn’t Require a Perfect Plan
Meaningful donor engagement isn’t about perfectly following a January-to-December plan. Instead, it’s about finding opportunities to connect.
Some dates are natural fits for planned giving outreach. Estate Planning Awareness Week and National Financial Awareness Day, for example, align beautifully with conversations you may already be having.
But some of the most memorable outreach ideas come from unexpected places on the calendar.
A day dedicated to kindness. A moment to send a handwritten note. A simple excuse to call and say, “I was thinking about you today.” These smaller celebrations can create genuine touchpoints that strengthen relationships with the people who care most about your mission.
Dates to Celebrate Your Donors
We’ve curated list of key dates (and a few months) in 2026 that lend themselves beautifully to thoughtful donor outreach. You can jot them down in your planner—or download our free calendar with everything already mapped out for you.
January
- Jan 24: National Compliment Day
February
- Feb 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day
- Feb 14: Valentine’s Day
- Feb 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
- Feb 20: World Day of Social Justice
March
- March 13: National Good Samaritan Day
April
Financial Literacy Month; National Volunteer Month
- April 20: Volunteer Recognition Day
- April 26-28: AFP Conference — hope to see you there!
May
- May 2: Join Hands Day
August
National Make-A-Will Month
- Aug 14: National Financial Awareness Day
- Aug 17: National Nonprofit Day
- Aug 19: World Humanitarian Day
September
- Sept 5: International Day of Charity
- Sept 21: World Gratitude Day
October
- Oct 8: DAF Day
- Oct 14-16: CGP Conference — hope to see you there!
- Oct 19-25: Estate Planning Awareness Week
November
- Nov 13: World Kindness Day
- Nov 15: National Philanthropy Day
December
- Dec 1: Giving Tuesday
- Dec 5: International Volunteer Day
Create Meaningful Moments
If you want to get creative, remember that the year is full of possibilities beyond the dates listed here.
For example, July 19 is National Ice Cream Day. Imagine inviting your legacy society members to a simple ice cream social—no speeches, no presentations, just a scoop (or two) and good conversation with the people who believe in your mission.
The goal isn’t to celebrate every date on the calendar. It’s about using a few meaningful moments throughout the year to remind your donors that they matter—and that their generosity is making a lasting impact.
There’s still plenty of 2026 ahead. Here’s to making the most of it—and to the many connections still waiting to happen.